Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith's return to the field remains uncertain as he undergoes "imaging" tests following a leg injury that has sidelined him during the crucial days of training camp. The incident occurred during an 11-on-11 drill on Tuesday when a defensive teammate inadvertently knocked Smith to the ground. As a result, Smith has been facing a difficult period, with no clear timeline set for his comeback.
Head coach Mike Macdonald provided insights into Smith's condition, noting the quarterback's visible struggle after the incident. "I don't know about tomorrow, but we'll see what comes out of when he goes and sees the doc," Macdonald shared, indicating the team's cautious approach in handling Smith's injury. The medical team has been focusing on his hip and knee, areas that required attention following the mishap.
Smith's absence was notably felt during Wednesday's practice sessions, leaving a gap at the quarterback position. This injury has cast a shadow over Smith’s preparations for the upcoming season as he is now out indefinitely, adding a layer of concern for the Seahawks' management and fans alike.
Sam Howell Steps In
In the wake of Smith's injury, 23-year-old Sam Howell has risen to the occasion as the Seahawks' fill-in starter. Acquired through a trade from the Washington Commanders this past March, Howell has swiftly taken on the mantle, aiming to fill the void left by Smith's unexpected setback.
Howell comes to the Seahawks with a significant amount of experience, having started all 17 games for the Commanders in the 2023 season. During that campaign, he led the NFL in pass attempts with 612, throwing for 21 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. This performance placed Howell among the more active quarterbacks of the season, showing both his resilience and his potential areas for growth.
With Smith entering the second year of a three-year contract extension signed last offseason, the Seahawks had high hopes for their established quarterback to lead them through this season. Smith's previous performance, which included an 8-7 record as a starter, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, illustrated his capability to guide the team effectively. However, Smith also missed two games due to a groin injury, spotlighting the importance of depth at the quarterback position for the Seahawks.
Looking Forward
As the Seahawks navigate this period of uncertainty, the focus shifts to maximizing Howell's strengths and ensuring he is well-prepared to lead the team. The coaching staff, alongside Howell, will need to work diligently to integrate his playing style with the Seahawk’s offensive schemes.
The Seahawks must maintain optimism for Smith's swift and complete recovery while preparing adequately with Howell at the helm. This dual approach will be crucial in ensuring the team's resilience and readiness as they approach the new season.
For now, all eyes are on Smith's forthcoming medical evaluations, which will hopefully provide a clearer picture of his path to recovery. Meanwhile, the Seahawks remain in capable hands with Howell, whose prior season experience will be invaluable during this interim period. The fans, management, and the coaching staff eagerly await positive news on Smith's condition, hoping to see their star quarterback back in action soon.